There are some waterfalls that are overshadowed by larger counterparts. If you took what I’ve designated as Lower Sahalie Falls are transported it anywhere else, it would be a destination on its own. In this case, Sahalie Falls (and Koosah Falls nearby) could lead you to overlook Lower Sahalie Falls.

Lower Sahalie Falls is larger than it appears. There’s an optical illusion of sorts that makes it seem a smaller. What you can see in the picture below is about 20′, but there’s more above. It was very difficult to get the upper portion of the falls, and that was due to the angle of the rock along the river. The logs in front of the falls also hide a bit of the drop.

Depending on where this waterfall was and how easy it was to get to, I would have gone out of my way to see this waterfall. Luckily, I didn’t have to. It’s in between Sahalie and Koosah Falls, and the hike is very easy and enjoyable. Look for Lower Sahalie Falls as you’re exploring this beautiful part of Oregon.

Directions:

There are multiple ways to get to the falls, though they will all require some drive. If you’re in Albany/Corvallis, you could head east on US-20. From Bend, head west on US-20. If you’re in Eugene, head east on OR-126.

The falls are found on OR-126…If you’re on US-20, you would turn and head south on OR-126. If you’re already on OR-126, it would obviously be a “straight-shot”, though it’ll be a curvy drive. There are two parking areas, one for Sahalie Falls and one for Koosah Falls, though there is a trail that connects both falls.

The Sahalie Falls parking area is the further north of the 2 parking areas, and once you park there, it’s a short 100 feet to Sahalie Falls. Then veer left and follow the trail along the McKenzie River.